Assessments/Services
In collaboration with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the Western University of Health Sciences, the American Red Cross, and the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) developed the Functional Assessment Service Teams (FAST) program, which trains staff to evaluate the needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors with access or functional needs at shelters.
In addition to assessing individual needs, FAST members evaluate the essential functional needs that can be supported within a given shelter. FAST members, comprised of trained government employees, representatives from community-based organizations (CBOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGO), can deploy to shelters before, during, and after disasters.
FAST members have an in-depth knowledge of the populations they serve, support services and resources including housing programs, benefit programs, and disaster aid programs. FAST members work side-by-side in support of shelter personnel and emergency response workers to assist in meeting the essential functional needs of survivors in shelter enviroments.
More information on FAST can be found here.